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June 4, 1963
M. ROBINS
3,091,958
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PRESSURE TESTING AEROSOL CONTAINERS
Filed July 22, 1959
7 Sheets-Sheet 1
INVENTOR.
MILTON ROBINS
June 4, 1963
M. ROBINS
3,091,958
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PRESSURE TESTING AEROSOL CONTAINERS
Filed July 22, 1959
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June 4, 1963
3,091,958
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Filed July 22, 1959
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METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PRESSURE TESTING AEROSOL CONTAINERS
Filed July 22, 1959
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MILTON ROBINS
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June 4, 1963
3,091,958
M. ROBINS
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PRESSURE TESTING AEROSOL CONTAINERS
Filed July 22, 1959
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INVENTOR.
MILTON Foal/vs
June 4, 1963
M. ROBINS
3,091,958
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PRESSURE TESTING AEROSOL CONTAINERS
Filed July 22 r
1959
7 Sheets-Sheet 6
June 4, 1963
M. ROBINS
3,091,958
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PRESSURE TESTING AEROSOL CONTAINERS
Filed July 22, 1959
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IN VEN TOR.
MILTON Roams
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United States Patent (if) ” Fee
3,®9l,958
Patented June 4, 1963
1
2
3,091,958
having a pressure within certain predetermined desired
limits and a second group having a pressure outside of
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PRESSURE
TESTING AEROSQL CUNTRS
Milton Robins, North Haven, (101111., assignor to Merrill
F. Steward, North Haven, Conn.
Filed July 22, 1959, ?ler. No. 828,855
10 Claims. (Cl. 73—45.2)
said predetermined desired limits.
In accordance with the invention, a method of testing
pressure in a container at a given temperature is pro
vided which includes con?ning a small body of test gas
of fixed initial volume at a predetermined initial tempera
ture and pressure. This ?xed volume is selected so as to
My invention relates to pressure testing, and particu
be small in comparison to that of the container. This
larly to a method and apparatus for testing the pressure 10 test gas is then brought into pressure-responsive com
in containers containing a gas under pressure greater than
munication with the gas in the container being tested.
atmospheric, such as aerosol containers, including such
The resultant pressure of the test gas is then measured.
containers wherein such gas is used as a propellant for
Under these conditions, such resultant pressure a?ords
dispensing liquid or substantially liquid materials. This
indication of the pressure in such container.
application is a continuation-in-part of my prior applica 15 anInaccurate
accordance with another aspect of the invention, the
tion Serial Number 727,184, ?led April 8, 1958, now‘
initial pressure of the test gas is maintained within a
abandoned.
predetermined range which is related to the pressure de
According to the prior art, the method of testing pres
sired in a normal tested container so that venting of gas
sure in such containers has generally been by weighing the
or liquid product from such a normal container is com
pressurized container. With the advent of the use of 20 pletely prevented or permitted only to an accurately con
lighter-than-air gases, as well as gases which are non
trolled amount during the test.
condensible at the pressure and temperatures obtaining in
Thus, when it is desired to prevent theescape of any
the containers, as propellants, however, the weighing
substantial amount of ?uid from a container or along a
method has not afforded a desirably high degree of accu
dip-tube Within the container in the course of testing its
racy since the weight of such gases, even when highly com 25
pressure, the pressure of the test gas, is, in accordance
pressed, does not constitute a suiliciently high portion of
the total weight of the container to be very signi?cant.
Normally encountered variations in the weight of the
container itself, for example, become substantial in such
cases.
'
In addition, when the material to be dispensed is of
certain types, such as pharmaceutical or food products,
it is likely that some of the product may be ejected from
the usual valved outlet in the container during testing by
conventional procedures, and some of the product may
be retained in the valved outlet and deteriorate, or it may
with the invention, maintained substantially equal to or
greater than the desired pressure in the container.
When, however, it is desired to permit the escape of a
closely controlled amount of gas from a container or to
permit a closely controlled amount of the product in the
container to rise into the dip-tube within the container,
the pressure of the test gas is, in accordance with the
invention, maintained a predetermined amount less than
the desired pressure in the container.
35
In accordance with another aspect of the invention,
‘pressure-testing apparatus is provided for testing pressure
solidify there, impairing the operation of the valve.
in a container having a valved outlet, which apparatus
comprises a test-gas chamber and an adapter head having
an opening for communication with the test-gas chamber.
In the case of pressurized containers used to dispense
certain products such as pharmaceutical or food products,
it has also been necessary, with prior art methods and 40 Means is also provided for moving the adapter head into
apparatus, to perform a separate step of preconditioning
gas-tight engagement with the container with the container
a container for use to cause a portion of the product to
outlet in communication with the adapter head opening.
rise into the dip-tube which extends from the valved out~
Means is further provided for admitting a test gas to the
let to a lower portion of the container, in order to
test-gas chamber and for closing the chamber after a pre
insure proper operation of the container by the user. 45 determined desired pressure is established therein. Means
This requires the use of an additional operator, adding
is also provided for opening the valved outlet of the con
to the expense of manufacture.
tainer while the adapter head is in such engagement with
It is a general object of the present invention to pro
the container, and also for establishing pressure-responsive
vide a method and apparatus for testing pressure in pres
communication between the test-gas chamber and the
surized containers which is more accurate than methods 50 container, and for indicating the resultant pressure in the
and apparatus heretofore available.
test-gas chamber at such time.
It is another important object of the invention to pro
In accordance with the invention in one form, the con
vide a method and apparatus for testing pressure in con
tainer itself is utilized as a closure means for the test-gas
tainers which use a compressed gas as a propellant for a
liquid or substantially liquid product, whereby release of
such product from such container during the test period is
chamber. In accordance with the invention in another
55 form, an outlet valve ‘is provided for the test-gas cham
ber and means is provided for causing the test container to
open such outlet valve as the adapter head is moved there
rendered unnecessary.
It is a further object of the invention to provide a
method and apparatus for testing pressure in containers
using a compressed gas as a propellant for a liquid or sub
stantially liquid product and having a dip-tube leading
against.
In accordance with a still further aspect of the inven
60 tion, means is provided for testing a series of containers
carried by a moving conveyor, in completely automatic
fashion, including means for practicing the invention with
from a valved outlet to the body of liquid product in the
container, whereby the rise of such product in such dip
an intermittent-motion type of conveyor and with a con
tube may be ‘achieved to ‘an accurately controlled extent
during testing.
Still another object of the invention is to provide a
completely automatic and reliably positive testing ap
paratus including means for bringing a plurality of con
tainers to a testing location and transporting them from
65
tinuous-motion conveyor. Means is also provided, in
accordance with this aspect of the invention, for auto
matically segregating cans having an undesirable amount
of pressure.
Additional objects and advantages of the invention will
in part become obvious and in part be set forth in the
such location, and means for accurately segregating such 70 following detailed description, and the scope of the inven
containers upon leaving the test station into a ?rst group
tion will be set forth in the appended claims. The inven
3,091,958
4
3
tion is illustrated by several speci?c embodiments shown
in the drawings and described in detail hereinafter.
In the accompanying drawings,
FIG. 1 is a front elevation view in diagrammatic repre
sentation of pressure testing apparatus according to the
21 surrounding the stem portion 22, and having externally
available terminals 29a. A protective and retaining cover
31 is provided over the winding 29, being held in position
by a nut on the outer threaded end of stem 22.
As men
tioned above, the test-head assembly 17 is ?xedly mount
ed on the end of rod 14 by suitable means, such as by
screwing the threaded end of stem 22 into a tapped open
ing in the end of rod 14.
apparatus of FIG. 1;
The test-gas chamber block 19 of the test-head assem
FIG. 3 is a sectional View of a portion of the apparatus
of FIG. 1 taken on the line 3—~3 of FIG. 1;
10 bly 17 includes a central elongated test-gas chamber 33
extending therethrough and registering with the outlet 27
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of electrical control com
invention in one form;
FIG. 2 is an end elevation view of a portion of the
of block 21, against which the block 19 is retained by
ponents for use with the apparatus of FIG. 1 in practicing
‘suitable means such as by clamping bolts not shown ex
the invention in one form;
tending through the block 19 and into threaded engage
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of the electrical control
circuitry of the invention in one form;
15 ment with the block 21, a resilient sealing ring or O-ring
34 being provided in an annular recess in one of the
FIG. 6 is a time-sequence chart of the operation of the
abutting faces of said blocks to provide a gas-tight seal
system according to FIGS. l-5;
therebetween.
FIG. 7 is a side elevation view of pressure-testing appa
The test-gas chamber block 19 also includes a check
ratus according to a second form of the invention; ,
FIG. 8 is a fragmentary plan view, partly in section, of 20 valve 35 of the conventional “bicycle” type in the cham
ber 33 at the entrance portion thereof adjacent the out
'the apparatus of FIG. 7, taken generally on the line 8—8
'
of FIG. 7;
FIG. 9 is a fragmentaryisectional view of the test-head
let 27.
The block 19 also includes a combined indicat
ing gauge and switch 36 ?xedly mounted in an opening
37 communicating with the chamber 33. The gauge
of the apparatus of FIG. 7 in which the head is shown
25 switch 36 includes electrical leads 40, for a purpose to be
in “test” position on a container;
‘described.
FIG. 10 is a schematic wiring diagram of the electrical
The ‘block 19 has an integral downwardly extending
control circuitry used in conjunction with the apparatus
stem portion 41 having a bore 42in communication with
shown in FIGS. 7-9;
the chamber 33. Adapter head 20 is slidably mounted
FIG. 11 is a time-sequence chart of the operation of
the system according ‘to-FIGS. 7-10; and
e
30 thereon and retained by a tapped retainer nut 43 which
0 FIG. 12 is a circuit diagram of an alternate ‘form of a
portion of the circuit ‘of FIG. 10.
FIGURES 1-5-—VMechanical A pparwtus
also serves to hold a resilient seal or O-ring 44 in place.
The head 20 is bia'sed‘downwardly against nut 43 by a
compression coil spring 45.
The adapter head 20 is provided at its lower face
Referring ?rst to the'form' of the invention illustrated 35 with a generally'frusto-conical recess 46 having an annu
lar groove or shoulder 47, the recess 46 being adapted to
in FIGS. 1-5, the invention is shown as incorporated in
?t over the top portion of a can 11, with the shoulder
pressure-testing ‘apparatus including an endless-belt type
engaging the bead 48 thereof (FIG. 1), thereby accurate
conveyor 10 adapted to carry a plurality of containers
ly positioning the can 11 with respect to the adapter
such as containers 11, and to be moved in intermittent
fashion by suitable motor driven means, not shown, so 40 head during the testing operation as will be described.
As further explained hereinafter, chamber 33 and bore
as to bring the containers 11 to a test station or position
v42. together’ with the passages in and leading to gauge 36
P successively, retaining each such container at the test
position for a predetermined period of time. A stationary
supporting post 12 (FIG. 2) is provided adjacent the con
form a testing chamber of constant volume, which volume
is relatively small as compared with the volume of the
veyor belt 10 at the position P, and serves to support por
cans undergoing test.
The electrical components of the system are suitably
mounted in a separate assembly, as shown in FIG. 4.
cylinder or air motor 13, having a movable piston, not
For the purpose of automatically segregating cans 11
shown, adapted to move an operating rod 14 outwardly
having an undesirable amount of pressure, a rejection
and inwardly of the cylinder 13. The cylinder rod 14 car
ries a projection 15, and a limit switch 16 (FIG. 3) is 50 solenoid 90 is provided, ?xedly mounted by suitable
means, not shown, at a location displaced longitudinally
?xedly supported in the path of movement of the projec
along the conveyor ‘10 from the test location in the di
tion 15 for a purpose to be described. The rod 14 also
rection of travel of the conveyor. A switch 51 is also
carries at its outer end a test-head assembly indicated gen
provided adjacent the conveyor drive roller 52, which
erally at 17, and disposed to engage the container 11 at
includes a cam '53 adapted to actuate the switch 51. In
position P when moved downwardly by the rod 14, in a
tions of the testing apparatus including a pneumatic
manner to be described.
’
Each of the containers 11 includes a dispensing outlet '
addition, a “can presence” switch 50 is also provided ad
J?CGIlt the test position (see FIG. 2) and arranged to be
stem 11A which is constructed to operate a valve, not
shown, in the container 11 upon inward or tilting move
ment of the stern 11A with respect to the container 11, all
closed by a can 11 when in the test position.
in a conventional manner.
In operation, the pressure inlet 23, of the test head
assembly 17 is connected to a suitable source, not shown,
of compressed gas, such as compressed air, of known
temperature, having a pressure slightly below the desired
pressure in the containers 11. Cans 11 to be tested,
.
Referring now particularly to FIG. 3, the test-head 17
includes three main portions, including an electrically
operable solenoid-valve block 18, a'test-gas chamber block
19, and a can positioning block or chuck 20-.
The solenoid-valve block 18 is of conventional con
struction and includes a valve block portion 21 having a
closed-end hollow stem portion 22, an air inlet 23, and
an armature 24 carrying a resilient closure member 25
Mechanical Operation of FIGS. I-4 Form
which are at a known temperature, are placed on the con
veyor 10 and the conveyor is operated to bring a can
into test position P, the can closing the switch 50, and the
test-head being in the upper position as shown in FIGS.
arranged normally to abut against and close a valve seat
26 to prevent escape of gas pressure through outlet open
1 and ,2.
ing 27. Armature 24 is normally biased by spring means
28 downwardly into valve-closing position. For the pur
18, lifting the‘valve 25 from the valve seat 26 and ad
mittingrair under pressure through valve 35 to the cham
'
Test operation is initiated by energizing solenoid-valve
ber 33. Since the chamber 33 is open, through the bore
electrical signal, a winding 29 is supported on the block 75 42 and recess 46 while the test head is in upper position,
pose‘of opening the valve 18in response to an external
5
3,091,952;
the air at this time escapes and no appreciable pressure
builds up in chamber 33.
The test head is then lowered by operation of a sole
noid to be described, the recess 46 receiving the upper
portion of the can 11 and the bead 48 seating in the
annular groove 47, arresting the downward motion of the
block 20.
Continued downward motion of the test head assembly
5
between the switch 50 and the solenoid-valve 18, to be
energized Whenever the switch 50' is closed. The cam
switch 51 is connected in series with a recti?er 64» and a
cam-switch relay 63, between the sub-bus ‘62 ‘and the bus
61, the relay ‘63 being provided with a capacitor 65 con
nected across its terminals to- provide a time-delay open
ing action.
The cam-switch relay 63 is provided with a pair of
17 compresses the spring 45, the block 20 sliding on the
normally-open contacts 63A shunting the cam switch 51,
stem 41. As this occurs, the O-ring seal 44 grips the 10 and a pair of normally-open contacts 63B, in series with a
outlet stem 11a of the can 11, thereby closing off the
relay 49 in the plate'circuit of a thyratron tube 77 in the
chamber 33, causing pressure to build up therein to the
pressure switch relay circuit '71.
line air pressure, which, as noted above, is less than the
A solenoid-valve 76, which controls the admission of
desired pressure in the containers 11. This pressure acts
air to the test-head movement cylinder 13', is connected
upon the gauge pressure switch 36, causing it to move a 15 between the sub-bus '62 and the bus 61, in series with the
pointer 36A toward, but short of, a preset switch-closing
contacts 63A, and also in series with contacts 73A, actu
position. Such position is determined by manual ad
ated by a relay 73 to be described.
justment of knob 36B (FIG. 3). Thereafter, the head
A “test” push-button switch .68 is also connected across
17 moves further downwardly a small amount and the
cam switch 51 to permit testing of the operation of relay
stop 15 on the rod 14 engages the operating member of 20 63 during preparation of the apparatus for normal opera
the limit switch 16. The last portion of the downward
tion and for locating malfunctions in the system.
movement of the head 17 also acts to depress the stem
A test head “down” position relay 69‘ is also connected
52 of the container 11, thereby opening the valve su?i
‘between the sub-bus 62 and the bus 61, in series with the
ciently to effect communication between the interior of
“down” position limit switch 16, and this relay is pro
can 11 and the chamber 33. Since the can pressure is
vided with a pair of contacts 69A shunting the switch
higher, and since the test chamber volume is relatively
16.
small, a signi?cant pressure rise is indicated at gauge 36,
The test control circuit 66 further includes a delayed
check valve 35 preventing the escape of this pressure
opening relay 73-, connected in series with a recti?er 72
back to the air supply line.
and a pair of normally-closed contacts 693 operated by
If the pressure in the container 11 being tested is up to 30 relay 69, across themain busses 60, 61. The relay 73 is
the desired minimum pressure preselected by the setting
of knob 36B, the pressure in the chamber 33 increases
enough to move pointer 36A of the gauge 36 to switch
closed position, preventing a can-rejection circuit from
provided with a capacitor 74 connected across its terminals
to provide a time-delay-opening action.
The rejection circuit ‘67 includes a ?rst delayed-open
ing relay ‘82, connected in series with a pair of normally
35 closed contacts 49A operated by relay 49, and a pair of
After the expiration of a predetermined time delay, the
normally-closed contacts 73B, operated by relay 73-, be
test head assembly 17 is moved upwardly, allowing the
tween the main busses 60, 61.
being set up, ‘in a manner to be described.
valve of the container 11 to close. The conveyor there
after moves the containers 11 along to bring the succeed
ing container into test position, and the process is re
peated.
If the pressure in the container 11 being tested is below
the aforesaid desired minimum, the contacts of the pres
Relay "82 is provided With a capacitor 84 connected
across its terminals and a series-connected recti?er 82’ to
provide a time-delay opening action. A second capacitor
'84’ is connected in series with a switch 86 also across the
relay 82, to provide optional additional time-delay~open
ing action upon manual closing of switch 86. Indicator
‘light 53 is in parallel with relay '82 and provides a visual
failure of the switch contacts to close allows the rejection 45 indication of a “reject” condition in the circuit.
circuit to be energized. This effects a “fail safe” opera
The rejection circuit ‘further includes a second time
tion of the apparatus. The rejection circuit operates, after
delay-opening relay 83, connected in series with normally
a predetermined timed delay for the purpose of allowing
open contacts 82A, operated by relay 82, across the main
the undesirable can to reach a “reject” position R (FIG.
busses 60, '61, and has a capacitor 85 connected across
1), to energize the rejection solenoid 90' which ejects the
its terminals to provide a time-delay opening action.
undesirable container from the conveyor.
The capacitors 65, 74, 84, 84', and 85 are preferably 1
Electrical Circuitry of the FIGS. 1-5 Form
made variable or readily replaceable to permit accurate
setting of the time-delay opening action of relays 63, 73,
The electrical components of the system of FIGS.
82, and 33 respectively.
l-6, which are not a part of the test head, reject station
55
Also included in the rejection circuit is the rejection
or conveyor, are preferably mounted in a separate chassis
solenoid 91), previously mentioned, connected in series with
54, see FIG. 4, as aforesaid. The circuitry and operation
normally-open contacts 83A, operated by relay 83, and
of the electrical controls will be understood from the
normally-closed contacts 82B, operated by relay-82, across
wiring diagram, FIG. 5, and the time-sequence diagram
the main busses 60, 61.
FIG. 6. The electrical circuitry will be described ?rst,
The pressure switch relay circuit 71 includes the
with reference to FIG. 5, and the operation thereof will 60
v-thyratron 77, having the relay 419 in its plate circuit, in
be described thereafter, with reference to both FIGS.
5 and 6.
series with resistor 91 and normally-open contacts 633
of relay 63. The DC plate voltage for thyratron 77 is
Referring to the wiring diagram, the circuit includes a
pair of terminals 55 for connection to a source of electrical
vobtained from transformer 78, connected across the
potential, not shown, such as 115 volts, 60'-cycle A.C., 65 'main busses 60, 61, by recti?cation through selenium
connected in series with main power busses 60, 61. A
recti?er 80 and the ?lter capacitor 9?, applied across the
sure gauge 36 do not move to closed position, and this
power-on indicating light 59‘ is connected across the
busses 6t}, 61 to show when the circuit is energized.
bleeder resistors 79 and 92. The cathode-drop across
resistor'92 is applied as bias to the control grid of the
The remaining circuitry includes three main portions: 70
(1) a test-control circuit 66, (2) a rejection circuit 67,
and (3) a pressure switch relay circuit 71.
The test control circuit 66 includes solenoid-valve 18
'
which is connected in series with the can-presence switch
50, across the busses 60, 61. A sub-bus 62 is connected 75
thyratron to bias the tube normally to “cut-off” and thus
prevent the 'thyratron from “?ring.” The gauge-pressure
switch 36 is connected in shunting relation to the resistor
92 so that when switch 36B is closed, the resistor 92 is
short-circuited, and the bias on the control grid is re
duced and conduction through the tube occurs, the re
3,091,958
7
sister 94 being included in the grid circuit at all times to
limit grid current.
.
Electrical Operation of the Form of FIGURES 1-6
The operation of the electrical circuitry of the form of
FIGS. 1-6 will be understood from a consideration of
the wiring diagram of FIG. 5 in conjunction with the
time-sequence chart of FIG. 6, and the following de—
8
normally-open contacts 73A in series with solenoid
valve 76, reversing the hold-down pressure in cylinder
13, and the test-head 17 is returned to its upper position
by the piston, not shown, in cylinder 13.
‘Still assuming that the pressure of the container 11
being tested is too low and relay 82 is energized, this
relay immediately closes contacts 82A in series with
relay 83, closing this relay also. This condition of the
circuit remains until the conveyor moves the container 11
tailed description.
The operation cycle of the system may be conveniently 10 being tested from test position P, at which time the can
presence switch 50 opens.
considered in eight steps or stages, as indicated in
Stage 6—Switch 50 open.-—The opening of switch 50
FIG. 6:
Stage 1—Main power switch 56 closed-The power
on indicator 59 is energized, and time-delay-opening
removes power from the sub-bus 62, which drops out
relay 69. The opening of relay 69 allows normally
relay 73 is energized, closing normally-open contacts 73A 15 closed contacts 69B to return to closed condition. This
allows relay 73 to reclose, opening contacts 73B in series
in test control circuit 66 and opening normally-closed
with relay 82, and starting a time-delayed opening action
contacts 73B in rejection circuit 67. Nothing further
of this relay. This time-delay is provided to allow time
occurs until the conveyor 10 delivers a can to be tested
for the container to reach the “reject” position.
to the test position P, closing can-presence switch 50.
The opening of switch 50 also removes power from
Stage 2-~Can-presence switch 50 cI0sed.—Solenoid 20
air solenoid-valve 18, deenergizing this solenoid, and dis
‘valve 18 is energized, admitting line air pressure to test
connects cam-switch relay 63, allowing contacts 63A and
head 17 through check valve 35. Sincethe test-head is
63B to return totheir normally-open condition after a
short delay produced by capacitor 65.
and no appreciable pressure builds up therein at this time.
Stage 7—Relay 82 drops ozzt.—When relay 82 drops
Nothing further occurs until the cam-switch 51 closes. 25
normally in the raised position, the chamber 33 is open,
out, it again opens contacts 82A in series with relay 83,
Stage 3—Cam-switch 51 cl0sed.—Cam-switch relay
starting a time-delayed opening of this latter relay. At
63 is energized, closing contacts 633 in the thyratron
the same time, contacts 823 are returned to their nor
plate circuit, and by-pass contacts 63A are also closed
mally-closed condition. Since contacts 83A are still
simultaneously. Solenoid-valve 76 controlling the down
ward movement of the test-head 17 is energized, since 30 closed because of. the delayed opening of relay 83, the
circuit to “reject” solenoid 90 is completed at this time,
normally-open contacts 73A have previously been closed
and it operates to eject the undesired container trom the
by operation of relay 73. The test-head 17 is thereupon
conveyor which by this time has traveled to reject sta
moved downward by the cylinder 13, toward its low po
tion ‘R.
a
sition, the block 20 contacting the can 11, and the stem
of the container closing the chamber 33 as described
above, permitting pressure to build up in chamber 33.
The build-up of pressure in chamber 33 moves the gauge
switch 36B toward but short of closed position.
Immediately after the pressure builds up in chamber
,33 as described, continued downward movement of the
test-head opens the valve of the container 11 and per
mits pressure-responsive communication between the
container and the chamber 33. If 'the pressure in the
container being tested is up to apredetermined desired
minimum, switch 363 is closed and the rejection circuit
is disabled by the opening of normally-closed contacts
49A by relay 49.. If the pressure is not up to minimum,
switch 36B remains open, allowing the contacts 49A to
remain closed.
.
8——Relay 83 drops out.-—When relay 83 drops
3.5 out,Stage
it deenergizes reject solenoid 90 by opening nor
mally-open contacts 83A, and the circuit returns to a
“ready” condition, in which nothing further occurs un
til the conveyor delivers another can to be tested to the
test position, closing can-presence switch 50, and starting
‘another test cycle with the circuit in the same condition
- as at Stage 2 above.
FIGURES 7—12.—Mechanz'cal Apparatus
The form of apparatus in FIGS. 7-12 includes com
ponents corresponding generally to those in FIGS. l-6.
.In FIGS. '7—l2, however,.a conveyor 100, carrying the
cans 11 to be tested, is provided which is continuously
moving, the gauge-switch 361 is provided with two sta
At substantially the same time that the container valve 50 ‘tionary contacts, ‘and the circuit serves to cause rejection
of containers having too high pressure, as well as those
is opened, the low-head-position limit switch 16 in test
having too low pressure.
.
I
control circuit 66 is closed.
'In this form, the supporting post 12 is supported on a
Stage 4—Switch J6 cl0sed.-—Closing switch 16 ener
work table 101 adjacent the conveyor 100, which table
gizes auxiliary relay 69 which closes ‘by-pass contacts
also serves to support a junction box 102 to ‘facilitate
69A, and also opens normally-closed contacts 69B in
the connection of the control wires from the electrical
series with the time-delay-opening relay 73. This starts
control chassis 103. The test-head movement cylinder
a time-delayed opening action of the relay 73. This
13 is supported on the post 12, and an initial height
time-delay serves to allow time for the ?uid in the con
control is provided including a cap 104 ?xedly mounted
tainer, if any, to move partly up into thedip-tube, and
on the top of post 12, and a threaded adjusting rod 105,
this time may be closely controlled by varying capaci
Vtor 74.
.
Stage 5—Relay 73 drops out.—As relay 73 opens, it
adapted to be rotated by means of a handle 106 and
having a threaded engagement with the supporting brack
et of cylinder 13. The ‘lower end of rod 105 is sup
ported in a cup or sleeve 105A carried by a clamp 165B
fastened to post 12.
The cylinder 13 includes a movable piston, not shown,
adapted to move an operating rod 14 outwardly and in
wardly of the cylinder v13. The rod 14 carries at its
are open at the time relay 73 drops out, so that even
outer end a test-head assembly 106 which is disposed to
though contacts 7333 again close, relay 82 is not ener
gized;
"
.
70 engage the container 11 at position P when moved down
wardly by rod 14, similar to the arrangement in the fore
It the pressure in the container is too low, the contacts.
going example.
49A remain closed at the time relay 73 drops out, and
The cylinder is provided with an air inlet 107 and a
since contacts 7313 close, relay 82 is energized. The low
causes a “reading” to be taken of the pressure condition
in chamber 3-3 which is indicative of that in the container
11 being tested. Thus if the pressure in the container is
such that the resultant pressure in chamber 33 causes the
contacts ofthe gauge switch 36B to close, contacts 49A
solenoid-valve portion 198 adapted to control the admis
can. At the same time, when relay 73 drops out, it opens 75 sion of air pressure from inlet 107 to the cylinder 13,
pressure indicator light 63 then lights, indicating a_“bad”
9
3,091,958
and having lead wires 109, connected in a manner to be
described.
The cylinder 13 is also provided with a pressure-re
sponsive switch 1110, for a purpose to be described.
A compressed-air source is provided, including a com
16
with both stationary contacts in order tobe acceptable.
The stationary contacts 363 and 362 of the gauge-switch
361 may therefore be regarded as a “high-reject” and a
“low~reject” contact, respectively, the ‘acceptable range
5 lying therebetween. Both the high-reject and low-reject
pressed air storage tank 111, connected through line 112
contacts ‘are preferably made adjustable so that the ac
including reducer 113 and ?lter 114, to the air inlet
107 of the cylinder 13. Similarly, there is provided a
compressed gas storage tank 111A, connected through line
112A, reducer 113A and ?lter 114A to the gas inlet 115'
of test head 106.
In order to control the travel of the cans 11 on the
continuously-moving conveyor 100, apparatus is provided
including a star-wheel 116, comprising two vertically
ceptable range may be readily varied as desired.
The test-gas chamber 129 is normally closed interiorly
by valve means including a poppet valve 131 which is
actuated by a ball 132, the ball and valve 131 being nor
mally biased to closed position by means of spring 133.
The test-head 166 assembly further includes an adapter
head portion ‘127 rigidly attached to the test-gas chamber
block 126 by suitable means such as by bolts, not shown,
spaced star gears connected by a hub portion 117, ro 15 with a suitable gasket or ‘(J-ring 13d therebetwcen. The
tatably supported on a vertical shaft 118.
adapter block 127 is provided with a generally frusto
The hub 117 of the star wheel 116 is provided with
conical recess 135, and a second resilient O-ring 137 for
a number of stop projections 119 adapted to engage the
engaging the container stems, as before.
end of a pawl 126, which in turn is slidably and piv
FIGURES 7—12-—]l4echm1ical Operation
otally supported by an elongated aperture therein on a 20
pivot pin 121 carried ‘by support bracket 122 on the
Referring to FIGS. 7-10, actuation of the solenoid
table 101. A miniature switch 123, or “can-presence
valve 18 admits compressed gas to the test-gas chamber
switch,” is also supported on the bracket 122 and is
129 of test-head 166. Since the test-gas chamber 129
adapted to be actuated by endwise movement of the
is normally closed by valve closure 131, pressure builds
pawl 120.
25 up in the chamber 129. Electrical circuitry, to be de
Referring to FIGURE 8, when a can 11 is moved by
scribed, then actuates the cylinder solenoid-valve 1118,
the continuously running conveyor along its direction of
admitting compressed air to cylinder 13, which causes the
travel, the can engages one of the cusps 124 of the star
operating rod 14 to be moved downwardly. The presence
wheel 116, and rotates ‘it in a clockwise direction as
of a can 11 at position P to be tested is assured by the
viewed. This brings one of the stops 119 into engage 30 closure of can-presence switch 123. As the test-head
ment with the end of the pawl 120‘, moving it endwise
106 descends, the adapter-head 127 receives the valve
toward the switch 123, the end of the pawl 120 engag
outlet stem 11A of the container 11, the O-ring 137 seal
ing and actuating the switch 123, the pawl being in its
ing around‘ the stem. Immediately after this, the upper
lower, solid-line position at this time (FIG. 7). An
lip of stem 11A engages the ball 132, raising the closure
abutment or rail B at the side of conveyor 100 holds each
131, and opening the test chamber 129‘ to provide com
can in engagement with star-wheel 116, and since the
munication with the interior of stem 11A. Slight con
latter is intermittently prevented from turning, the can is
tinued downward movement of the test-head 106 de
held at station P while the conveyor continues to run,
presses the valve stem 111A, establishing pressure com
the belt simply skidding along under the cans back of
munication between the can 11 and the test-gas cham
station P.
ber 129.
For the purpose of releasing the pawl 120 from a stop
In this form of the invention, the pressure in the test
119, thereby permitting the star-wheel to rotate or “index”
gas chamber is initially maintained slightly higher than
to a succeeding position in which a succeeding can 11 is
the desired pressure in the can 11, but again the capacity
brought into test position P, an “index-solenoid” 125 is
or volume of chamber 129 is small as compared to that
provided, mounted on the underside of the table 10-1, to 45 of a can undergoing test, so that when pressure com
serve as a stop to determine the vertical position of the
munication is established between the test chamber and
pawl 120. When solenoid 125 is in the de-energized
the can, the resultant pressure is essentially that of the
condition, its actuator maintains the pawl 126 in a gen
can. Assuming that the pressure in the can 11 is within
erally horizontal position, where its end may be engaged
the desired limits, the resultant pressure in chamber 129
by one of the stops 119. When the ‘solenoid 125 is en-' 50 after communication with the container 11 drops to a
ergized, its actuator lifts the pawl 120 to the position
level slightly less than the initial pressure, causing the
indicated in dotted lines in FIG. 7, allowing a stop 119
movable contact 364 of gauge 361 to come to an open—
to pass, whereupon the solenoid 125 is immediately de
circuit condition between the two stationary contacts 362,
energized, dropping the pawl 120 and stopping the star
363, thus failing to operate a rejection circuit. If the
wheel at its next position, thereby permitting the star 55 pressure in the can 11 being tested is outside of the pre
wheel to “index” one position.
determined desirable limits, the resultant pressure in cham
The construction of the test-head 1616 is shown in de
ber 129' causes the movable contact 364 to engage either
tail in FIG. 9, and includes solenoid-valve portion 18,
the “maximum” ‘or “minimum” limit settings of adjust
test-gas chamber block 126, and a can-engaging portion
able contacts 363, 362, thus producing a signal which
or adapter block 127.
is fed to the rejection memory circuit. After a time de
The solenoid valve portion, shown in energized condi
lay to allow the test-head to move upwardly and the
tion in FIG. 9, includes the portions previously described,
can to travel to reject position R, this reject signal is used
including a winding 29, a cover 31, a plunger 24, and a
to reject the faulty can from the conveyor line.
plunger bias spring 28. The plunger 24 carries a re
silient valve closing member 25, adapted to seat against 65
FIGURES 6~10—Electricdl Circuitry
Referring to the ‘wiring diagram of FIG. 10, the cir
valve seat 26, to control the admission of gas through
cui-t of this form of the invention includes terminals 55
gas inlet 115 into the test-gas chamber 129. The test-gas
for connection to a suitable power source such as 110
chamber 129 is connected to pressure gauge-‘switch 361
through a suitable conduit 13%. The gauge-switch 361
volts, 60-cycle, A.C., main power switch 56 in series with
is generally similar to the gauge 36 described above, ex 70 a suitable fuse 57, and terminals 58 having a power-on
indicator 59 connected therebetween.
cept that it is provided with a pair of stationary contacts
A pair of main power busses 139 and 1411 are con
362 and 363 (FIG. 7) connected electrically in com
nected to the terminals 53, to be energized upon the
mon. As will be described, the pressure in a container
'being tested must be such as to cause the movable con
tact 364 of the gauge-switch 361 to remain out-of-contact 75
closing of switch 56.
The remaining portions of the circuit include three
3,091,958
12
11
main parts, (1) a test-control circuit 206, (2) a rejec
tion circuit 201, and ('3) a pressure~switch relay cir
163, connected in series with a rectifier ‘163'. and normal
ly-open contacts 1623, between the main busses-140 and
cuit 202.
Test control circuit 200 includes solenoid-valve 18
controlling the admission of test or preload gas pressure
to the test-head 106 and test-gas chamber 129. The sole
noid circuit of valve 18, in one condition of the circuit
arrangement, is connected directly across the busses 139
and 140 in series with a pair of normally’closed contacts
142A operated by a relay 142 to be described and a 10
7139. The relay 163 includes a capacitor 169 connected
across its terminals to provide delayed opening of the
manually operated single pole double throw switch 141.
' In its alternate position, switch 141 connects solenoid 18
relay.
Pressure switch relay circuit 202 is generally similar
to that of the previous form, excepting that the contacts
638 of the previous form are replaced by contacts 142C
of relay 142 as noted above, and these contacts are
shunted by the series combination of contacts 148B,
operated by relay 148, and contacts 150C, operated by
relay 150.
>
to a sub-bus 146 for energization only when that bus is
FIGURES LIZ-Electrical Operation
“hot.”
Stage
I——Main
power switch 56 closed-Closing main
Relay 142 in ‘turn is connected between main busses 15
power switch 56 applies power across the main busses
139 and 140 in series with a pair of normally-open con
139 and 140, energizes the “power on" indicator 59, and
tacts 49A, operated by relay 49 to be described, and can
actuates the test pressure preload solenoid-valve 18. It
presence switch 123. Relay 142 serves to operate contacts
is here assumed that switch 141 is in such position as to
142A, referred to above, contacts 142B, shunting the
contacts 49A, both in test control circuit 200, and also 20 connect solenoid 18 to mainrbus 139 through contacts
142A. Solenoid-valve 18 opens to admit test gas into
contacts 142C, in series with the relay 49 in pressure
chamber 129.
switch relay circuit ‘202.
Stage 2—-Gauge-switch 361 closed.—Since the cham
Sub~bus 146 is connected at a point between the con
ber 129 is normally closed by valve 131, pressure builds
tacts 49A and the relay 142, to be energized whenever the
switch 123 and contacts 49A, or by-pass contacts 1423, 25 up in this chamber to normal line gas pressure, which,
in this form, is maintained slightly higher than the
(‘are closed. This sub-bus is also energized by the closing
of shunt contacts 150D, under the control of relay 150,
connected directly between main and sub~busses 139, 146,
desired can pressure and which therefore moves contact
364 of gauge-switch 361 into closed position with con
tact 363, the high or over-pressure position.
Test-control circuit 200 also includes a delayed opening 30 The closing of contacts 363, 364 at this time energizes
relay 148, connected between the main bus 140 and ' relay 49 through the thyratron 77 as previously explained.
The relay 49, in turn, closes normally-open contacts 49A
sub-bus 146, in series with normally closed contacts
in series with relay 142 in test circuit 200, and also con
154A, operated by relay 154 to be described. Relay 148
tacts 49B in series with relay 162 in reject circuit 201.
is provided with a capacitor 1149 connected across its
terminals and a recti?er 148' to provide a time-delayed 35 Since can-presence switch 123 is still open, however, these
relays are not actuated. Nothing further occurs there
opening action.
fore until the conveyor delivers a can to be tested to the
The test-control circuit also includes a third relay 150,
test position, closing the can-presence switch 123.
also of the time-delayed opening type, connected between
respectively, for a purpose to be described hereinafter.
. the main bus 140 and the sub-bus 146, in serieswith a pair
Stage 3—Can-presence switch 123 closed.—The closing
of normally-open contacts 148A, operated by the relay
40 of switch 123 delivers power through the contacts 49A
.148. Relay 150 is also provided with a capacitor 155
(previously closed) to the test control circuit sub-bus
146, and closes relay 142. When relay 142 is energized,
it performs the following three functions: (1) it opens
normally-closed contacts 142A, de-energizing the sole
noid-valve 18 and closing off the test-gas chamber 129
from the gas supply line, trapping a ?xed volume of test
gas in the chamber; (2) it closes normally-open con
tacts 142B, by-passing contacts 49A, and (3) it de
connected across its terminals, and a series recti?er 150',
to provide a time-delayed opening action.
Solenoid-valve 108, controlling the reciprocation of
test-head 106, is also connected between the .main bus
140 and sub-bus 146, in series with a pair of normally
open contacts 150A, operated by relay 15d. Solenoid
valve 188 controls the admission "of air to the cylinder
13, to cause test-head .106 to be moved down.
Test control circuit 200 also includes a relay 154,
connected in series with pressure-switch 110 and a pair
of normally-closed contacts 163A, between the main bus
140 and sub-bus ‘146. The relay ‘154 serves to operate
three pairs of contacts as follows: (a) normally-closed
energizes the gauge relay 49 by opening normally-closed
contacts 142C in the thyratron plate circuit.
When the sub-bus 146 is energized, it delivers power
to relay 148, closing this relay. Relay 148 in turn opens
normally-closed contacts 148B in the thyratron plate
circuit for a purpose to be described. At the same time,
.contacts 154A in series with relay 148; (b) normally 55 relay 148 also closes normally-open contacts 148A, en
ergizing relay .150 which in turn closes normally-open
open contacts 154B, shunting the switch 110' and con~
contacts 150A, energizing the solenoid-valve 108 of test
tacts 16313 in series with relay 154; and (c) normally
head actuating cylinder 13, starting downward movement
open contacts 154C in the circuit of index-solenoid 125.
of the test-head assembly. Relay contacts 150B in the
Index-solenoid 125 is connected in series with normally
closed contacts 156B, operated by relay .150, as well as 60 circuit to index-solenoid 125 are opened, and relay con
tacts 150C in the thyratron plate circuit are closed, at this
the aforesaid contacts 154C, between the main bus 140
time also. Also closed are contacts 150D, thus connect
and sub-bus 1146.
.
ing sub-bus 146 directly to main bus 139. This is done
Rejection circuit 201 includes a “bad container” in
to eliminate any chance of erratic or intermittent opera
dicator light 98 connected in series with normally-open
contacts 49B operated by relay 49 in ‘the pressure switch 65 tion of the system due to momentary opening of can
presence switch v123. The latter may occur as the can
relay circuit, and normally-open contacts 154A, or switch
is “jostled” slightly by engagrnent of ‘the star wheel 116
110 and contacts ‘163B, between main bus 140 and sub
or the descending test-head 106. Shunt contacts 150D
bus 146.
ensure that a complete test cycle will take place, regard
The rejection circuit also includes a time-delay-opening
relay ‘162, connected in parallel with indicator light 98. 70 less of the condition of switch 123 after it once closes.
Stage 4-—Pressure switch 110 closed.—When the test
Relay ‘162 is provided with by-pass, normally-open con
head assembly reaches its lowest position and contacts
tacts 162A, shunting contacts 4‘3B. In addition, relay 162
'_ the can 11, its travel is stopped, and the pressure in the
_ cylinder thereupon builds up to the applied line pressure,
162', to provide a time-delayed opening action.
The rejection circuit further includes a second relay 75 closing the switch 110. The closing of switch 110
is provided with a capacitor 168 and a series recti?er
3,091,958
13
14
initiates the actual pressure evaluation process by energiz
ing relay154 through contacts 1638 which are still closed.
Nothing further occurs in the circuit until the can 11
is actually moved by the conveyor away from the ‘test
position, allowing the can-presence switch 123 to open.
Relay 154 by-passes the switch 110 by closing normally
open contacts 154B.
Relay ‘154 also starts a predeter
Stage 7—Can-presence switch is 0pen.--Opening of
mined time-delayed opening action of the relay 148 by
opening contacts 154A.
Stage 5—Relay 148 drops 0ut.—-After a predetermined
the can-presence switch 123 removes power from the. sub
bus 146. This de-energizes the relay 142 which has the
effect of returning the test control circuit to its initial or
time-delay to allow time for pressure conditions in the can
“ready” condition by (l) reclosing normally-closed con
11 and the test-chamber 129 to reach a stable condition
tacts 142A in series with solenoid 18, (2) reopens nor
(which time may be varied in accordance with the vis 10 mally-open contacts 1428, and (3) reclosing normally
cosity of the ?uid, if any, in the container), relay 148
closed contacts 142C in the thyratron plate circuit.
drops out. The opening of relay 148 closes contacts 148B
in the thyratron plate circuit, and at the same time, opens
contacts 148A in series with relay 150. Since relay 150
Removing power from the sub-bus 146 also, of course,
de-energizes relay 154, which drops out immediately,
closing contacts 154A, and opening contacts 154B, 154C.
also has a time-delay opening action, however, it remains 15 Power is also removed from that portion of the rejection
closed for a short time after 148 drops out, maintaining
contacts 156C closed. Thus at this time, the plate circuit
of the thyratron is complete.
If the resultant pressure in the chamber 129‘ is within
the predetermined desired limits, the movable contact 20
364 of the gauge 361 will at this time be out of contact
with both contacts 362, 363, and the thyratron will be
prevented from ?ring. If the resultant pressure is outside
of these limits, either on the high of low side, however,
circuit 201, which includes indicator 98 and relay 162.
The removal of power from the relay 162 starts a
time-delayed opening action of this relay. This time de
lay is for the purpose of allowing the can 11 to travel
from test position P to reject position R.
Finally, removal of power from the sub-bus 146 also
de-energizes the index-solenoid 125, allowing pawl 120
to fall into position to engage the next stop 119.
Stage 8—-Relay .162 drops 0ut.—0n the’ expiration of
the contact of the gauge-switch ‘361 will be closed, re 25 its time-delay period, relay 162 drops out, opening con
moving the blocking bias from the thyratron and allow
ing it to ?re. Firing of the thyratron energizes the relay
tacts 162A, and closing normally-closed contacts 162C in
series with the reject solenoid 90. At the same time, relay
162 opens normally-open contacts 162B in series with
relay 163, starting a time-delayed opening of this relay.
49.
Assuming, therefore, that the pressure in the container
is undesirably high or low, and that the circuit through 30 Since contacts 163A are maintained closed a short time
gauge-switch 361 is closed and relay 49' energized, this
after the opening of relay 162, the circuit to the reject
relay again closes the contacts 49B, and energizes a re
solenoid 90 is complete at this time, and the reject solenoid
jection indicator 98, and a time-delay opening relay 162,
90 is actuated, ejecting the undesired container from the
both in rejection circuit 201.
conveyor.
Relay 162 at the same time closes normally-open con 35
Upon the expiration of the time delay of relay 163,
tacts 162A, bypassing the contacts 49B, and also closes
this relay also drops out, opening contacts 163A, and re
contacts 162B, energizing a second time-delay opening
turning the entire circuit to its original condition as .at
relay 163. Relay 162 also opens normally-closed contacts
Stage 2, ready for the beginning of another test cycle.
162C, in series with the reject solenoid 90.
An alternate plate circuit control arrangement for the
When relay 163 is energized, it closes normally-open 40 thyratron 77 is shown in FIG. 11. According to this
contacts 163A, also in series with the reject solenoid 90.
arrangement, the contacts 156C and 142C of the previous
Contacts 163B provide an important feature of the system
circuit are re-arranged so as to be connected in parallel
in that they prevent immediate initiation of a second test
with each other, and thisrcombina-tion is then connected
cycle where the preceding test has indicated a faulty con
in series with the contacts 143B. In operation, the plate
tainer, thereby delaying further tests until the rejection 4:5 circuit is initially closed, as in the former case, and is
of the faulty container has taken place. Otherwise, how
opened when the relay 142 is energized, by the opening
ever, so long as a container tests “good,” the system is
of contacts 142C, these contacts remaining open during
immediately released to start testing a succeeding con
the remainder of the testing and evaluation cycle. As in
tainer without waiting for the expiration of the time lapse
the previous circuit, the relay 148 must be open, closing
between testing and rejection involved in the case of faulty 50 normally closed contacts 14813, and relay 150' must be
containers. Thus the system is so designed as to “assume”
closed, closing normally open contacts 150C, in order
that the containers will test good, and thus not penalize
for the plate circuit to be complete.
its capacity by slowing up every test cycle to allow for
The foregoing description of the control circuit il
a rejection.
Nothing further occurs in the circuit until the time
delay 150 expires and it drops out.
lustrated in FIG. 10 is based on the use of a test head
55 of the type shown in detail in FIG. 9, wherein the pre
load test-gas pressure is developed and trapped in the
head before actual pressure communication takes place
out, it opens normally-open contacts 150A, in series with
between the interior‘ of the test head and the container to
the solenoid 108, thereby reversing the pressure on the
be tested. That control circuit, however, is equally serv
piston in cylinder 13 of test-head assembly 106, and rais 60 iceable with the type of test head illustrated in FIG. 3,
ing the test-head to its upper position. The opening of
in which test gas (of preset minimum pressure slightly
relay 150 also allows contacts 15013 to return to their
below desired container pressure) is caused to ?ow
Stage 6-Relay 150 drops out.—When relay 150 drops
normally-closed condition, energizing the index solenoid
through the head, passing through and unseating check
125 (since contacts 1540 are still closed) to raise pawl
valve 35, cleaning out the passages of the head prior to
120 releasing star-wheel 116 for rotation by on-corning 65 its engagement with the valve stem ‘of the container.
cans on conveyor 100. Opening of relay 150 also opens
The conversion of the circuit of FIG. 10 for use with test
normally-open contacts 150C in the thyratron plate circuit,
head 17 is e?ected simply by manually rthrowing switch
de-energizing the relay 49. The release of pressure in the
141 to its alternate position in which solenoid 18 is con
cylinder 13 also allows the pressure switch 110‘ to return
nected to sub-bus 146. In this arrangement, solenoid
to its normal open condition. Since the switch 110 is 70 18 will be energized as long as a can engages and closes
switch 123. Test-gas system pressure will thus continue
by-passed by contacts 154B of relay 154, however, this
produces no other change in this circuit at this time.
to pass through test-chamber 33 until communication is
Finally, contacts 150D are also opened at this time, re
established with the pressure of ‘the’ container undergoing
turning the sub-bus 146 to control solely by can-presence
test. If, as desired, the container pressure is. above the
switch 123.
75 preset minimum, reverse flow from the container back
8,091,958
15
16
desired and expected range of pressure, whereby the
escape of pressure from said container is substantially
through the head is immediately prevented by check valve
35. If on the other hand the container pressure is below
the preset minimum, test gas will iiow into the container
until vpressure equilibrim is established. This equilibrium
pressure will be the preset test-gas pressure, for all prac
,.tical purposes, since the container volume is insigni?cant
in comparison with that of the supply tank 111A. Thus
completely prevented during said testing operation when
said container has a pressure within said predetermined
desired and expected range.
3. The method of testing the relation of pressure in a
closed container of predetermined volume to a predeter
mined desired pressure, said container containing a sub
the test will indicate a low-pressure or faulty container.
stantially liquid substance and a gas and having an outlet
In the system described above in connection with FIGS.
, 7 through 12,,the test-gas pressure may be supplied from 10 provided with a closure and a tube extending from said
outlet to a remote portion of said container, which method
the gassing manifold used in pressurizing the containers
comprises the steps of positioning said container with said
in the normal loading of the containers. If, by any
chance, the gassing manifold pressure drops below limit,
as determined, by the setting of high-limit contact 363
outlet uppermost, con?ning a test gas in a predetermined
volume at predetermined pressure, then placing said test
of pressure gauge 361, relay 49 will not operate, and thus 15 gas in pressure-responsive communication with said con
tainer gas through said outlet by temporarily opening said
the entire system will “fail safe,” that is, will prevent
closure, and measuring the resultant pressure of said test
any further delivery or testing of containers at station
gas, said predetermined volume and pressure of said test
P until the faulty condition has been corrected.
. gas having a relation to said predetermined desired pres
It will be seen from the foregoing that the systems
of the invention are adapted .to handle conditions where 20 sure in said container such that the presence of said pre
determined desired pressure in said container causes said
it may be desirable to have the test-gas pressure either
substance to be propelled along said tube toward said
above or below the desired container pressure. Each
system has certain advantages, some of which may be
outlet a predetermined distance.
.
4. The method of testing the relation of pressure in a
more desirable when handling containers ?lled with one
type of product than another, and itis important there 25 closed container of predetermined volume to a predeter
, fore that the test equipment be capable of ready adapta
mined desired pressure, said container containing a sub
tion to either condition of operation. The present in
stantially liquid substance and a propellant gas and hav
ing an outlet provided with a closure and a tube extending
vention permits this to be easily accomplished.
.
It will be noted further that mechanical or electrical
from said outlet to 1a remote portion of said container,
which method comprises the steps of positioning said con
_ failure of any component in the systems described here
‘ inabove will result automatically in immediate shutdown
7 tainer with said outlet uppermost, con?ning a test gas in
, a predetermined volume at predetermined pressure, then
of further. operation. Thus the systems are self-proving
or checking and “fail safe,” guaranteeing that no faulty
container will be allowed to pass and become com
placing said ‘test gas in pressure-responsive communica
tion with said container gas through said outlet, and
mingled with “good” containers._ The systems also pro 35 measuring the resultant pressure of said test gas, said pre
vide means of warning an operator of the failure of any
determined pressure of said test gas being less than said
, delivery of containers to. the test station, or delivery in
. predetermined desired pressure in said container ‘by an
improper position at that point. And further, if a con
amount which in the case of a container having a pres
tainer, after test, should fail to leave the test station,
sure substantially equal to said desired pressure causes
the system will stop, indicating ‘a malfunction, and will 40 said substance to be propelled along said tube toward said
not repeatedly test the same container over-and-over
outlet a predetermined distance.
5. Apparatus for testing pressure in a closed container
While I have shown only certain particular embodi
having a valved outlet, comprising an enclosure having a
ments of my invention, it will be readily apparent that
test-gas chamber provided withan inlet and an outlet,
many modi?cations thereof may be made by those skilled 45 an ‘adapter head having an opening for communication
in the art without departing from the basic scheme of _ with said test-gas chamber outlet, means for moving said
again.
.
the invention, and I therefore intend by the appended
. adapter head into gas-tight engagement with said con
_ tainer with said container outlet in communication with
claims to cover all such modi?cations as fall within the
true spirit and scope of the invention.
What is claimed is:
1. The method of testing pressure in a closed prepres
surized container containing a gas at ambient temperature
said opening, means for opening said test-gas chamber
inlet to ‘apply an external pressure to said chamber, means
I for closing said inlet after a predetermined pressure has
- been created in said chamber, means for opening said
but unknown pressure greater than atmospheric, which
valved outlet of said container while said adapter head is
in engagement with said container and for establishing
pressure-responsive‘ communication between said test-gas
chamber and said container, and means for indicating the
comprises the steps of con?ning a test gas in a ?xed vol
note at ambient temperature and at predetermined pres- ,
sure greater than atmospheric, which ?xed volume is
‘ small in comparison to that of the gas in the container
to be tested, then bringing said test gas into pressure
responsive communication with said container gas, main—
taining said pressure-responsive communication for a pe
riod of time su?icient to allow the pressure of said test
gas to reach equilibrium with said container gas pressure,
' resultant pressure in said test-gas chamber.
6. Apparatus for testing pressure in a closed container
' having la valved outlet at the top thereof, comprising a
so
and measuring the resultant pressure of said test gas.
' 2. The method of testing pressure in a closed prepres
surized container containing a gas at ambient temperature
but unknown pressure greater than atmospheric, the de
sired and expected range of pressure in said container
being known, which method comprises the steps of con
: ?ning a test gas in a ?xed volume at ambient temperature
and predetermined pressure, which ?xed volume is small
in comparison to that of the gas in the container to be
tested,‘then bringing said test gas into pressure-responsive
communication with said container gas, ‘and measuring
the resultant pressure of said test gas, said predetermined
: pressure of said test gas being at least as'great as said ‘
test-head assembly, means supporting said test-head'as
' sembly for vertical'reciprocating movement, said ‘test
‘ head assembly comprising a housing having a test-gas
chamber provided with an inlet and an outlet, valve means
for closing said inlet, an adapter head ‘adapted to engage
said container in gas-tight relation as said test-head as
sembly is moved vertically downward on said container,
said adapter head also including means for engaging said
valved outlet of said container to open 'said outlet as said
test-head assembly is moved downwardly, a gas passage
-way extending from said adapter head vto said test-gas
chamber, and means for indicating pressure conditions
in said test-gas chamber. a
7. Apparatus for testing pressure in a closed container
having a valved outlet at the top thereof, comprising a
17
3,091,958
test-head assembly, means supporting said test-head as
sembly for vertical reciprocating movement, said test
head assembly comprising a housing having a test-gas
chamber provided with an inlet and an outlet, said test
head assembly also comprising an adapter portion mov
able into gas-tight relation with said container, a gas pas
sageway connecting said adapter portion and said test
18
conveyor tor said containers, a test-head assembly in
cluding a housing having a test-gas chamber therein and
valve means associated with said chamber to admit ‘and
con?ne a ?xed volume of gas at predetermined pressure,
means for moving said test-head assembly into engage
ment with the valved outlet and establishing pressure
responsive communication between said test-gas chamber
gas chamber outlet, ?rst valve means for closing said
and one of said containers when Ibrought to a predeter
test-gas chamber inlet, second valve means for closing
mined position by said conveyor, pressure-responsive
said test-gas chamber outlet, means for opening said con 10 switch means disposed and arranged to be operated by re
tainer valved outlet and said second valve means after
sultant pressure in said test-gas chamber, rejection means
said adapter portion is in gas-tight relation with said con—
for ejecting said container from a predetermined location,
tamer, and means for indicating pressure in said test-gas
said pressure-responsive switch comprising a movable
chamber.
contact and ?rst and second stationary contacts, said
8. Pressure-testing apparatus as set ?orth in claim 7, 15 movable contact being movable in response to pressure
wherein said second valve means is located at the lower
in said test-gas chamber whereby when said test-gas cham
portion of said test-head assembly and is so constructed
ber pressure is below a predetermined ?rst pressure said
and arranged that downward vertical movement of said
movable contact is in contact with said ?rst stationary
test-head assembly causes said valve means to engage and
contact and when said pressure ‘in said test-gas chamber
be operated by said valved outlet of said container.
20 is above a second predetermined pressure said movable
9. Apparatus for automatically testing pressure in a
contact is in contact with said second ‘stationary contact
series of containers having valved outlets, comprising a
and when said test-gas chamber pressure is between said
conveyor for said containers, a test-head assembly in
?rst and second predetermined pressures said movable
cluding a housing having a test-gas chamber therein and
contact is out of contact with both said ?rst and second
valve means associated with said chamber to admit and 25 stationary contacts, and means operated by said pressure
con?ne a ?xed volume of gas at predetermined pressure,
responsive switch when said movable contact is in contact
means for moving said test~head assembly into engage
with either said ?rst or said second stationary contact for
ment with the valved outlet and establishing pressure
energizing said rejection means.
responsive communication between said test-gas chamber
and one of said containers when brought to a predeter 30
References Cited in the ?le of this patent
mined location by said conveyor, normally-open pres
UNITED STATES PATENTS
sure-responsive switch means disposed and arranged to
be operated by resultant pressure in said test-gas cham
ber, rejection means normally set to eject said container
at a predetermined location, and means operated by said 35
pressure-responsive switch means when closed for dis
abling said rejection means for a predetermined length
of time to allow the container tested to pass said ejection
location.
40
10. Apparatus for automatically testing pressure in a
series of containers having valved outlets, comprising a
900,324
1,845,362
1,873,602
1,971,065
2,013,402
2,407,062
2,606,657
2,711,645
2,743,604
2,863,316
Swangren _____________ __ vOct. 6,
Tevander ____________ __ Feb. 16,
Kruse _______________ __ Aug. 23,
Dieter _______________ __ Aug. 21,
Cameron _____________ __ Sept. 3,
Darrah ______________ __ Sept. 3,
Berthelsen ___________ __ Aug. 12,
Burchette et a1. _______ __ June 28,
Stein ________________ __ May 1,
Abplanalp ____________ .__ Dec. 9,
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